Shaw scores on return as Man City progress – Women’s FA Cup round-up

After taking a brief break to guard her mental well-being after being subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse, Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw scored on her return.

Shaw, 28, pulled out of Thursday’s League Cup semi-final win at Arsenal after the social media abuse she suffered following City’s 4-3 defeat by the Gunners in the Women’s Super League a week ago.

She returned to City’s bench on Sunday for their Women’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leicester.

The Jamaica striker, who was introduced at half-time, scored her side’s third goal as she nodded home from close range.

Gareth Taylor’s side ran out comfortable 3-1 winners with Leila Ouahabi and Kerolin scoring first-half goals. Brazilian Kerolin’s first strike since joining North Carolina Courage in the transfer window in January was a strike.

Elsewhere, five-time winners Chelsea came from a goal down to beat Everton and keep their quadruple hopes alive.

Sara Holmgaard’s free kick from the right sailed all the way in, but Catarina Macario’s penalty equalized for them at home for the first time this season.

Mayra Ramirez’s clever lobbed finish put them ahead before the break, while Maika Hamano’s back-post tap-in and Sandy Baltimore’s penalty secured the win.

Sonia Bompastor’s side are now unbeaten in 23 games. At the top of the WSL, they are seven points clear of each other, and they have reached the final of both the Champions League and League Cup.

Arsenal, the most successful team in the tournament’s history with 14 trophies, won 2-0 against Championship side London City Lionesses, while Liverpool needed two late goals to see off Rugby Borough, who were the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.

The WSL’s bottom side Crystal Palace overcame Newcastle 2-0, while Sunderland will be the only non-WSL side in the quarter-finals after a 2-0 win at Portsmouth.

On Saturday, holders Manchester United and Aston Villa made it to the last eight.

On paper, Liverpool’s trip to third-tier Rugby Borough appeared to be comfortable, but they struggled to adjust to the 3G pitch and some strong winds.

After making nine changes in the WSL match against West Ham last week, Matt Beard’s side struggled to get a shot on target until the 79th minute.

At half-time, Beard made four changes, and two substitutes helped them advance.

In stoppage time, Mia Enderby smashed in from the right side of the box after Marie Hobinger curled home a superb strike from 25 yards.

“Lee Burch and Rugby Borough deserve congratulations. They gave us a fantastic performance, Beard told BBC Sport.

“We are aware that we can do better, but today’s weather was harsh, windy, and cold. We should have advanced to the next round, and I’m pleased we did that.

Rugby boss Burch said the game was “close” but he was “really proud” of his side.

“We gave it a really good go”, said Burch.

“As Rugby Borough residents, we have been through a significant transitional period. It’s very important to be able to perform in a big FA Cup game. These players have traveled extensively on their own.

Arsenal may have won the competition 14 times, but last year they failed to do so in 2015-16.

Their chances of winning this season’s title are the FA Cup and Champions League, which they lack because they failed to retain the League Cup.

They faced off against American businesswoman Michele Kang, who is the backing of London City Lionesses.

After 32 minutes, Laia Codina’s header gave them a 2-0 lead, but substitute Stina Blackstenius didn’t score until the 82nd minute to win.

The FA Cup is a welcome relief for Palace after their difficult first season in the WSL, where they only won once in their first 13 games.

Laura Kaminski’s side are into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history after second-half goals from Ashleigh Weerden and Abbie Larkin.

Sunderland, the lowest-ranked team in the last eight, will be the first team to advance there since 2018 when they were a top-flight team.